Long-term stability of international reference preparations for thromboplastins

Three certified reference materials for thromboplastins are available from the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) of the European Commission for calibration of commercial thromboplastins used for control of oral anticoagulant therapy. The long-term stability of these reference materials has been monitored by two independent laboratories, using deep-frozen and lyophilized plasma samples. Prothrombin times and prothrombin time ratios measured on 19 occasions in the period 1981-86 have been analysed for trend with time. Although significant trends of prothrombin time and ratio (P less than 0.05) were observed, a consistent pattern of trends could not be recognized. The significant trends of prothrombin time and prothrombin time ratio are most probably due to changes in local laboratory conditions. There is no indication that the reference materials have deteriorated since the beginning of the study. It is recommended that long-term stability monitoring of thromboplastins be performed by at least two laboratories simultaneously.